Mental health services centre could be saved after protests force Stockport Council rethink

Mental health services centre could be saved after protests force Stockport Council rethink

25 Th November, 2015

BY ALEX SCAPENS

The Sir Joseph Whitworth Centre could now remain at its current location

Stockport Against Mental Health Cuts protest about service losses

A centre offering mental health services that is facing the axe could now be saved in the face of a huge backlash against its closure.

The well-used Sir Joseph Whitworth Centre, central Stockport, offers activities, counselling, support and social groups for people with mental health problems and carers.

It had been earmarked for closure as the council had sublet it from the NHS, but decided it would be too expensive to take over the lease when health service bosses exercised their right to break from it early.

But following a huge campaign to save the centre, on Chestergate, with a petition of 2,500 signatures and demonstrations, there has been a rethink.

The council has now investigated options for the service to continue – including staying where it is – and these will be put to a full council meeting.

Councillor Keith Holloway, executive member for adults, said: “We’ve been working intensively to find ways to keep the centre open.

“The challenge was always that rent for the building was funded by the NHS, meaning new funding had to be found if it was to stay open beyond 2015. The rental and lease proposed by the landlord was not competitive.

“We place real value on organisations who can help prevent vulnerable people from requiring treatment and support. However, ensuring we get value for money from these services is vital.

“Officers will be presenting options, including remaining at the centre, with a view to reaching agreement on the preferred option with considerations including cost.”

Protesters in King’s Lynn fight against mental health service cuts

Protesters took to the streets of King’s Lynn to voice their anger at what they described as “continuous” cutbacks to mental health services in west Norfolk.

Mental health cuts protest

A protest march against cuts to mental health services and the Fermoy Unit at the QEH took place in King's Lynn town centre. Picture: Matthew Usher.

More than 100 campaigners marched from The Walks through the town centre before finishing outside the Majestic Cinema.

Peter Smith, former parliamentary candidate for south-west Norfolk said: “We are in the fight of our lives here.”

The protest was triggered by the Fermoy Unit, an in-patient NHS facility in Lynn for mental health, which campaigners say faces an uncertain future. The unit was briefly closed to new admissions earlier this month, but reopened last week, albeit with fewer beds.

Mr Smith said: “In my lifetime we have never had to fight like this, but what is the alternative?”

But Debbie White, director of operations for Norfolk at the Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust, said there were now no plans to axe the Fermoy Unit.

She added: “It is right that mental health services should be valued and funded on the same level as acute health services, and it is understandable people feel passionate about the Fermoy Unit remaining open.”

Labour party activist Jo Rust insisted the issue would not disappear. She said: “They have been talking about closing it for a long time. We will fight and we will not let them do that.”

Beth Anthony, 18 of Dersingham, said: “We are here to protest against the continuous cuts to the mental health service, we think it’s unacceptable. My younger brother suffers from poor mental health and has to travel to London... That is to the detriment of my family because we have to pay for him to go down by train every single month.”